Category: Benjamin Franklin Award

The National Fire Heritage Center (NFHC) is pleased to announce the opening of submissions for the annual Benjamin Franklin Fire Writer’s Award (BFFWA). This prestigious, peer-reviewed recognition honors excellence in publications that document the history of the fire service and fire protection industry.  

Established to recognize current and past authors, the award acknowledges the contributions of those who have preserved the history of America’s fire service through books, magazines, newsletters, and various media formats.   

Benjamin Franklin, the father of America’s Fire Service, left a lasting legacy of written works. He inspired writers to document their beliefs, observations, and support for both public and private initiatives. Through the BFFWA, the NFHC encourages today’s fire writers to continue this tradition.   

The NFHA invites nominations for printed, digital, or electronic books and periodicals. A panel of three judges will assess the submissions based on six specific criteria. Additionally, a bonus score will be awarded for the work’s merit and its contribution to the preservation of America’s fire service history. 

Submissions are due October 15, 2024. For complete details on the nomination and evaluation criteria, visit this page on the NFHC website. 

The Benjamin Franklin Fire Writer’s Award upholds the NFHC’s mission to recognize and preserve the invaluable contributions of fire service writers throughout history. By participating, authors play a crucial role in keeping the stories and achievements of the fire service alive for future generations.

Chief Michael Louis Kuk was last year’s honoree for “Army Firefighter in Vietnam, 1970-1971.”

Additional Information on Making a Submission

For complete details on making a submission or to review the committee’s scoring process see the attached Word documents.

For further information or media inquiries, please contact:

Glenn Dorner, Chair of the Benjamin Franklin Award Committee, glenn.dorner@fireheritageusa.org

LAKE CHARLES, LA — July 11, 2024 — As part of the KPLC-TV Hometown Heroes series, the Lake Charles, LA television station interviewed Chief Michael Kuk about his job as a combat firefighter in Vietnam. Click the YouTube image to watch this coverage from 2023.

He recently received the Benjamin Franklin Award from the National Fire Heritage Center, and here’s additional coverage on that from KPLC-TV

Former Fort Johnson Fire Chief receives award for book on Army firefighters during Vietnam War (kplctv.com).

CUMBERLAND, July 12, 2024 — The National Fire Heritage Center (NFHC) proudly announces that Michael Louis Kuk, Chief Emeritus, author of an “Army Firefighter in Vietnam, 1970-1971,” has received the 2023 Benjamin Franklin Writers Bronze Award.  This prestigious honor acknowledges authors who have made outstanding contributions to preserving the written history of America’s Fire Service. 

Chief Kuk’s remarkable book offers a vivid and compelling account of his experience as a combat firefighter in Vietnam, serving with the U.S. Army. Through its compelling narrative, readers gain insights into how a small contingent of soldier-firefighters stationed in a combat zone tirelessly supported the war effort.

“It wasn’t a glamourous war-hero position,” Chief Kuk writes. “But it required bravery and courage to face and overcome other hazards the war could present. A misstep would result in serious injury and/or death if these soldier-firefighters did not perform to the highest standard so required.”

The work offers “the fire service a unique perspective of military firefighting in a combat zone, a subject that has not been previously explored. The book resonates with readers, shedding light on the sacrifices and challenges faced by these unsung heroes.”

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Glenn Dorner

The chair of the NFHC review panel, Retired U.S. Army Lt. Col. Glenn Dorner, commended the author’s work for offering “the fire service a unique perspective of military firefighting in a combat zone, a subject that has not been previously explored. The book resonates with readers, shedding light on the sacrifices and challenges faced by these unsung heroes.”

With nearly half a century of firefighting experience and having served as the Senior Fire Chief for the Department of Defense/U.S. Army, Dr. Kuk brings unparalleled expertise to this subject. He holds a Ph.D. and has authored over 100 peer-reviewed articles and 18 books.

Ben Franklin, recognized as the “Father of the American Fire Service,” left behind a rich legacy of written works that encouraged writers to express their beliefs and observations.  Building upon this historical tradition, the NFHC strives to inspire today’s fire writers to create valuable historical narratives for future generations. 

“We are delighted to present this well-deserved recognition to Dr. Kuk,” remarked Lt. Col. Dorner.  “His book not only honors the heroic actions of soldier-firefighters in Vietnam but also contributes significantly to preserving America’s fire service history.”